Polydioxanone (PDO) thread contouring and lift is a non- surgical alternative to the traditional surgical ‘facelift’. The PDO Thread lift procedure safely and instantly lifts up loose skin on the face, neck and the body with minimal downtime.
PDO thread contouring / lift involves the placement of PDO threads in the face and neck to lift sagging skin. PDO threads have collagen stimulating properties and are resorbable. The threads are either smooth (mono filaments) for improving skin texture or consist of barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to reposition the tissue.
Silhouette Soft® ® can be used for facial reconstruction in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy or morphological asymmetry. The Silhouette Soft® Thread Lift is suitable for both men and women who suffer from mid face and cheek drooping, sagging jowls and creasing from the nose to the lips. Silhouette Soft is most beneficial for people in their mid- to late-30s to mid-50s, who have good skin support structure with only light sagging that does not require a surgical face lift. It can also be used for the elevation and the compression of the neck. In older population, we can use 3-dimensional PDO Cogs.
At Richmond Cosmetic Clinic, we follow a strict protocol for performing PDO thread lift procedure.
Prior to the procedure:
The treating doctor will take your medical history, perform a face/neck assessment and discuss the treatment in detail including benefits and potential complications. You will be given 2 weeks ‘’cooling off period’’ so that can make an informed decision whether to go ahead with the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, treatment area will be photographed. Prophylactic antibiotics are administered: Oral Azithromycin 500 mg one hour before the procedure followed by once a day for two days post- treatment.
During the Procedure:
Local anaesthetics (lignocaine with adrenaline) is injected to numb the treatment areas. Fine, absorbable polydioxanone threads (similar to those used in medical suturing) are inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using small needles. A combination of large sized, barbed threads called cogs and smaller threads called monofilaments are used. For a midface lift PDO cog threads are inserted in the jawline and cheeks, in the forehead for an eye brow lift and in the neck for a neck lift.
After the Procedure:
1. Antibiotic cream will be applied at the sites of thread insertion. 2. Ice packs may be applied to reduce the swelling and bruising. 3. Clients are advised to refrain from chewing or drinking hot liquids until their face has regained full sensation. 4. Clients are advised not to wash their face on the same day following the procedure. Gentle cleansing is permitted the next day. 5. Avoid opening the mouth wide and avoid routine dental treatment for at least 4 weeks post treatment. 6. Avoid taking aspirin for seven days after the treatment. 7. Avoid extreme temperatures (sauna, etc.) for seven days after the treatment. 8. Avoid having other cosmetic treatments for 14 days after the treatment.
Any discomfort following the procedure can be managed effectively by taking oral paracetamol two to three times daily after meals.
This procedure is a safe, minimally invasive and a cost-effective alternative to facial surgery. PDO threads are fully biodegradable, all that is remaining after six months is the new collagen stimulated by the procedure. It is a non-allergenic treatment with only minimal discomfort and downtime following treatment.
It is normal to experience some minimal bruising and swelling for two to three days following treatment. To minimise the risks of bruising or a haematoma our clinicians use cannulas to insert the deep cog threads. The use of cannulas also helps prevent facial nerve trauma. When will you have a follow up?
We review our clients at seven days, one month and then at three months post treatment. However, in the event of any concerns, please contact the clinic responsible for your treatment immediately.
The procedure is performed by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk)
A thorough assessment by one of our clinicians will establish whether or not you are suitable for this procedure. Typically, PDO thread contouring is contraindicated in the following instances:
1. Active acne or skin infection. 2. Keloid predisposition. 3. Auto-immune diseases: scleroderma, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, etc. 4. Anti-coagulant medication: coumarin & heparin (aspirin). 5. Haemophilia. 6. Pregnancy, IVF. 7. Malignancy/Chemotherapy. 8. Hepatitis B & C, HIV. 9. History of bacterial endocarditis: Such clients need antibiotic prophylaxis for this procedure. 10. Existing systemic infection. 11. Porphyria. 12. History of Herpes simplex labialis. 13. Body dysmorphic disorder, 14. Unrealistic patient expectations.